Aug 8, 2024 | By Aaron D. Wersing | Read Time: 3 minutes | Workplace Discrimination

Examples of Military Discrimination in the Federal Workplace

Veterans deserve our utmost respect and gratitude for their sacrifices to protect our country. Unfortunately, stereotypes and prejudicial assumptions about servicemembers do exist, even among federal civilian employers. When veterans face targeted mistreatment in the workplace, it’s not just unacceptable—it’s illegal under federal law. This blog will cover what veterans should know about military discrimination in the federal workplace. We’ll discuss the laws that protect service members in the federal workplace and cover examples of veteran discrimination to watch out for. Protections for Veterans in the Federal Workplace Federal law grants military veterans a number of rights and protections when they return to civilian life. Let’s look at some of these protections specifically offered to veterans seeking federal civilian employment or reemployment.  Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act This federal law is the foundation of the protections against veteran workplace discrimination. The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) bans all public and private civilian employers from discriminating based on an employee or job candidate’s past, present, or future military service. This means that it’s illegal to consider someone’s military service when it comes to employment decisions such as hiring, firing, promoting, extending benefits, and more. Under USERRA, certain service members can also receive other employment benefits. For example, if an eligible veteran leaves civilian employment to perform military service, they have the right to be promptly reemployed in their prior position when they return.  Americans with Disabilities Act and Rehabilitation Act Many veterans also enjoy protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA prohibits employers from discriminating against qualified employees with a physical or mental disability. This includes discrimination against veterans with PTSD or other psychological impairments acquired through military service or otherwise. Although the ADA enforces these protections in the private sector, the Rehabilitation Act applies the same standards and rights to employees with disabilities in the public sector. It’s important to note that the ADA definition of disability is different from the standards used by the VA to assign disability ratings for service-connected medical conditions. Under the ADA, a disability is a mental or physical impairment that prevents someone from performing one or more “major life activities,” including: Veterans with medical conditions that interfere with these or other major life activities are entitled to reasonable accommodations from an employer. Reasonable accommodations can include a variety of alterations to the work environment that allow the veteran to fulfill their job duties despite their physical or mental limitations. Employers who refuse to consider requests for disability accommodations or retaliate against you for making such requests are violating federal law.  What Does Military Discrimination in the Workplace Look Like? Employment discrimination against military service members can take many forms. Some examples of veteran discrimination at work include: This is not an exhaustive list. Keep in mind that some discriminatory behaviors can be subtle and easy to overlook as part of regular workplace conflict. If you’re unsure whether you’re facing targeted mistreatment, it’s best to consult with an employment lawyer. Can a Protected Veteran Be Fired? If you’re an eligible service member, USERRA may prohibit your employer from firing you without cause for a period after you return to civilian work. This doesn’t mean that you can’t be terminated at all. It just means your employer must have a valid, business-related reason for dismissing you. Under USERRA, protected veterans who served for more than 180 days can’t be fired without cause for up to one year after their reemployment. For veterans who performed for between 30 and 180 days of service, this protection extends up to six months after you return to civilian work. Defending the Rights of Veterans in Public Service Targeted mistreatment of military service members in the workplace is just as illegal as discrimination due to sex, race, or religion. If you suspect that the mistreatment you face at work is motivated by your veteran status, contact an employment lawyer immediately. At the Federal Employment Law Firm of Aaron D Wersing PLLC, we’re proud to represent those who have served our country. Our attorneys know federal employment law and veteran discrimination protections inside and out, and we’re prepared to help you understand and exercise your legal rights. With years of experience advocating for federal employees, our legal team has the skill, integrity, and dedicated support to help you get the justice you deserve. Contact our office by phone or online to learn more and schedule a consultation. 

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Feb 27, 2024 | By Aaron D. Wersing | Read Time: 3 minutes | Workplace Discrimination

Federal Efforts to Promote Equal Pay for Federal Employees

For decades, the federal government has been a pioneer in the quest for equal pay stands. Its perseverance stands as a testament to the ongoing commitment to gender equality and non-discrimination. But what do these efforts involve? It began with the Equal Pay Act, which required federal employees to receive equal pay for equal work, no matter their sex or gender. This law helped shrink the pay gap from 28% to 11% between 1998 and 2007. More recently, the Biden Administration has taken additional steps to further shrink the wage gap and strengthen the protections of the Equal Pay Act for federal employees.  Today we’ll discuss the Equal Pay Act and how it protects federal employees from unequal pay. We’ll also discuss recent actions by the Biden Administration to promote equal pay for federal employees. If you think you are not receiving equal pay because of your sex, contact our team of dedicated federal employment attorneys today.  What Is the Equal Pay Act? The Equal Pay Act of 1963 (EPA) stands as the primary federal effort to eliminate the longstanding disparities in pay between men and women. Congress crafted it with one simple intention: to guarantee that federal employees in the same workplace who perform substantially similar work under similar conditions receive equal pay. Rather, agencies must set the pay for federal employees according to seniority, merit, efficiency, or some other factor that does not consider gender. It further states that agencies cannot reduce any employee’s wage to eliminate wage gaps between men and women.  The EPA contains several other points: As with Title VII violations, federal employees who suspect that they are not receiving equal pay must contact an EEO counselor at their agency within 45 days of the alleged violation. Remedies under the EPA can include back pay for up to three years before the filing of a charge, liquidated damages, and legal costs.  Who Does the Equal Pay Act Protect? The protective reach of the EPA extends to all federal employees. It also extends to all employees who fall under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). In practice, this means virtually all employment contexts, including private educational institutions, private sector positions, and state and local governments. Furthermore, the EPA implicitly recognizes the new definitions of gender and sex that are currently redefining the federal government. Therefore, employers cannot pay nonbinary individuals different wages.  Initiatives by Recent Presidential Administrations Several recent presidential administrations have taken steps to build upon the EPA and further the cause of equal pay. In 2009, the Obama administration galvanized the passage of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. This act resets the statute of limitations on equal pay lawsuits with each discriminatory paycheck, effectively expanding the window for filing complaints. President Obama established the National Equal Pay Task Force as well. This task force aimed to crack down on violations of equal pay laws, improve interagency coordination and data collection, and boost enforcement efforts. More recently, the Biden administration issued a final rule by the Office of Personnel Management prohibiting federal agencies from considering someone’s current or past pay when determining their federal salary.  We’re Ready to Help You Advance the Cause of Equal Pay Today. The path to achieving and maintaining equal pay within the federal workforce is ongoing. At the Federal Employment Law Firm of Aaron D Wersing, PLLC, we are determined to assist any federal employee who suffers a violation of the EPA or other federal anti-discrimination laws. We promise to leverage our legal experience to uphold the principles of equality and fairness. If you believe you have been subjected to wage discrimination or if you are seeking advice on ensuring compliance with equal pay laws, do not hesitate to contact us. Together, we can turn the ideal of equal pay for equal work into an enduring reality for the federal workforce.

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Jan 23, 2024 | By Aaron D. Wersing | Read Time: 4 minutes | Workplace Discrimination

Parental Status Discrimination in the Federal Government

Parental discrimination in the workplace is less common than most other forms of discrimination. It was only definitively banned in 2000 when then-President Bill Clinton signed Executive Order 13152. Despite that ban, parental status discrimination continues to occur. Moreover, parental status discrimination also frequently comes with pregnancy discrimination—so it’s prudent to educate yourself on its definition. You should also review at least one parental status discrimination example so you have an idea of what it looks like in the real world.  As federal employment attorneys, one of our primary goals is to educate federal employees about potential infringements on their rights. We’ll begin this article by reviewing the federal definition of parental status discrimination. We’ll then go through examples of parental status discrimination and discuss when it is wise to obtain legal assistance. If you have additional questions about parental status discrimination after reading this article, contact us today.  What Is the Definition of Parental Status Discrimination? Parental status refers to whether a person has a child or children. It includes biological parents, step-parents, adoptive parents, guardians, foster parents, and custodians of minors. Parental status is essential in discussions about family. Executive Order 13152 defines “status as a parent” to refer to anyone who is a parent of a minor or an adult who has a mental or physical disability. The word parent refers to: It also includes anyone who is trying to obtain custody or adopt a child or disabled adult.  On the other hand, the word “discrimination” refers to any negative treatment of a federal employee based on such status. This can include:  Finally, discrimination includes acts that can contribute to a hostile work environment, like slurs, inappropriate jokes, threats of violence, and lewd comments. Discrimination can be overt or subtle. In either case, it undermines the fundamental principle of equality by imposing disadvantages on certain groups because of their personal characteristics rather than their job performance. Parental Status Discrimination Example John, a dedicated federal employee at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has worked there for seven years. He is known for his hard work and has consistently received positive performance reviews. John and his wife recently adopted two young children. To balance his work and new family responsibilities, John requested a flexible work schedule, a benefit that his agency offers to all employees.  John’s immediate supervisor, Susan, approved his request initially. However, John noticed a significant change in how Susan treated him compared to his colleagues over the following months. Despite John’s continued high performance, he realized his supervisor was leaving him out of important project meetings. Also, he discovered his chain of command was no longer considering him for roles on high-profile projects that were crucial for his career advancement. Instead, John’s management began offering these roles to co-workers who were not parents or whose children were older. Just last week, John experienced two troubling incidents with Susan. On Monday, Susan casually remarked that John might be “too busy with the kids” to take on additional responsibilities during a department meeting. On Thursday, Susan passed over John for a team lead position on a high-profile project. When John inquired about this, Susan mentioned that he already had enough on his plate with his family. Should I Obtain Legal Help? The behavior in this parental status discrimination example is just one of countless possible scenarios involving that kind of behavior. If you think you or a loved one are receiving different treatment because of your parental status, there are several signs you should obtain legal counsel:  Even if you’re not sure whether you’re experiencing parental status discrimination, it’s better to err on the side of caution. Consulting an attorney can help you prevent the situation from escalating further.  Let Us Help You Find Your Path Forward Dealing with parental status discrimination is generally a bewildering and unexpected ordeal. But remember, you can hire a powerful advocate to help you surmount this situation. Having a skilled attorney can be a game-changer in defending your rights and saving your career. Here at the Federal Employment Law Firm of Aaron D Wersing PLLC, our focus is solely on federal employment law. That means we’re deeply familiar with relatively obscure types of discrimination, including parental status discrimination. When you set up an appointment with us, we can assess whether your employer is discriminating against you and provide you with an overview of your legal options.  Don’t hesitate to reach out. Give us a call today or contact us online to arrange an initial consultation and learn how we can assist you.

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Nov 21, 2023 | By Aaron D. Wersing | Read Time: 3 minutes | Workplace Discrimination

Understanding Religious Discrimination in the Federal Workplace

Religious freedom is one of the greatest liberties in American society. Thanks to the First Amendment and the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Americans may practice their religious belief (or non-belief) without fear of religious discrimination in the workplace. Consequently, if you think you are experiencing religious discrimination, you should contact a federal employment attorney right away. What Is Religious Discrimination? Most Americans understand that religious discrimination is prohibited by law. Not as many understand religious discrimination’s exact definition as it applies to the federal workplace.  Put simply, religious discrimination is any negative treatment of an employee or applicant because of that employee’s religion. In the workplace, religious discrimination is legally prohibited across all facets of employment. This encompasses hiring, firing, compensation, job assignments, and the classification of employees. Additionally, harassment based on an individual’s religion is strictly forbidden. The prohibition against religious discrimination is very broad. In fact, religious discrimination law protects not only adherents of major global religions like Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. It also shields those who follow little-known faiths and all those who have any kind of sincerely held religious or moral beliefs. This means that atheists and agnostics are also protected against religious discrimination in the workplace.  Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 forbids religious discrimination in any and all aspects of employment. This includes things like hiring, firing, compensation, promotions, training, work schedule, and job assignments.  The definition of religious discrimination includes harassment as well. Religious harassment refers to several different offensive behaviors aimed at someone because of their religion, including: However, any demeaning behavior that creates an objectively hostile or offensive work environment constitutes harassment. On the other hand, simple teasing and isolated incidents do not usually constitute illegal harassment. Unfortunately, there are situations where it can be difficult to tell if you are experiencing harassment. A knowledgeable federal employment attorney can help you make sense of your situation and move forward.  Examples of Religious Discrimination in the Workplace Religious discrimination is distressingly common. According to a 2019 Pew Research study, over 80% of Americans believe that members of at least one religion experience religious discrimination. Specifically, 82% of Americans said that Muslims experienced at least some religious discrimination, and 50% believed that Evangelical Christians were the target of at least some religious discrimination.  Yet what does religious discrimination actually look like? Here are a few examples of religious discrimination and harassment in the workplace: These are just a few examples. A qualified federal labor law attorney can help you understand if your situation constitutes religious discrimination or harassment.  Looking to Learn More About Religious Discrimination in the Workplace? Religious discrimination is no joke. It can cause isolation, depression, and burnout. It can be easy to feel defeated when you’re subjected to religious discrimination every day. But there’s good news. You have rights.  At the Federal Employment Law Office of Aaron D. Wersing, PLLC, our passion is helping federal employees stand up for their rights. We believe that no employee should have to deal with religious discrimination. Unlike many other firms, we focus exclusively on helping federal employees, which means we know what we’re doing.  Together, we can help you fight back against the discriminatory actors in your work environment. We can also help you receive just compensation for the losses you’ve experienced because of religious discrimination.  People are often reluctant to hire an attorney because they are anxious about money. We understand that, and we don’t want money to keep you from reaching out to us. There’s nothing to lose by giving us a call today at (866)612-5956 or contacting us online. Don’t wait. Let us help you!

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Nov 17, 2023 | By Aaron D. Wersing | Read Time: 3 minutes | Federal EEOC

Filing an EEOC Complaint of Racial Discrimination

Racial discrimination in the workplace is still shockingly common. Federal employees submit between 20,000 and 40,000 complaints of racial discrimination every year. Countless more incidents of racial complaints either resolve at an informal level or go completely unreported. As a result, every federal employee must know what racial discrimination is. In addition, they also need to know how to respond to it by filing a formal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).   If you are facing possible racial discrimination, then you’ll want to peruse this piece. We’ll first touch on what racial discrimination is under applicable law. Then, we will walk you through filing an EEOC complaint. Contact a dedicated team of federal employment attorneys today if you have additional questions or want legal advice on your specific legal situation.    Identifying Racial Discrimination Racial discrimination has been illegal in both federal and private workplaces since the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. But what exactly is racial discrimination? The simple definition is any unfavorable treatment of a person in employment because of their race. While it may sound simple enough, this definition has a few nuances to understand. For one, a person’s race includes their race and related characteristics. Examples of potential racial characteristics include a person’s hair type, facial structure, or skin color. In addition, “in employment” extends to every possible facet of a person’s job. Actions that can constitute racial discrimination include: Racial discrimination often goes hand-in-hand with color discrimination, which is unfavorable treatment because of your skin color. While the two issues are very similar, there can be vital differences. Many racial discrimination cases involve racial harassment, which is offensive behavior that makes your working environment objectively hostile.    Filing an EEOC Racial Discrimination Complaint  All EEOC racial discrimination complaints begin with a complaint to your agency’s local equal employment opportunity (EEO) office. It’s easy to initiate this. All you have to do is find your local EEO office’s contact information and report the discrimination to an EEO counselor. Contacting a counselor begins the information EEO complaint process. The counselor will try to resolve your claims through traditional counseling (which involves discussing your claims with your management) or mediation. You can choose which path to follow.  If you can’t resolve your complaint at this level, you will file a formal EEOC complaint with your agency. This triggers an investigation into the facts by a third-party investigator. The investigator will interview you, your management, the person responsible for the discrimination, and any witnesses to the behavior. They’ll also collect certain agency evidence. At the end of the investigation, the investigator will send you and your agency a Report of Investigation (ROI) that documents the factual landscape surrounding your complaint. You will also receive the right to request an EEOC hearing before an administrative judge or a Final Agency Decision.  Requesting an EEOC hearing with an administrative judge initiates formal litigation. It’s essential you have an attorney representing you by the time you request a hearing. The administrative judge will set an initial conference to discuss your claims and key procedural details. The judge will then allow the parties to conduct discovery and set a hearing date.  While you go through the discovery process and prepare for a hearing, you may have the opportunity to negotiate a fair settlement with your agency. Lawyers can be especially invaluable here because of their negotiation skills and experience. If you’re unable to negotiate a settlement, you’ll attend a hearing. The administrative judge will hear evidence from both parties and determine whether your claims have merit. You can choose to appeal an unfavorable decision.  Get the Experienced Legal Assistance You Deserve. As you can see, the EEOC complaint filing process is complex. It takes months or years to resolve and involves many specific deadlines and procedural requirements. Failure to abide by these deadlines can torpedo your case and jeopardize your career.  To ensure you get the best outcome possible, contact the team at the Federal Employment Law Firm of Aaron D. Wersing. Our entire practice revolves around defending the rights of federal employees. That means we know how to effectively assess your legal needs and brainstorm the best strategies for resolving your case. Furthermore, it costs nothing to have an initial consultation with us. Call today or visit our website to get going.  

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Oct 13, 2023 | By Aaron D. Wersing | Read Time: 3 minutes | Workplace Discrimination

Pregnancy Discrimination Overview for Federal Employees

Treating a woman unfavorably because of pregnancy and childbirth has been against the law for decades. However, there are between 2,000 and 4,000 pregnancy discrimination claims annually in the federal workplace. While pregnancy discrimination may seem explanatory to some, it’s wise to educate yourself on what it is. Education is important if you or a loved one are facing pregnancy discrimination in the workplace.  As dedicated federal employment attorneys, it is our honor and passion to educate workers on every aspect of their rights. Read on to learn more about pregnancy discrimination in the workplace. We’ll cover the definition of pregnancy and relate the laws that protect pregnant women. Then, we’ll unpack how you can fight pregnancy discrimination.    If you still have questions about pregnancy discrimination or wish to consult an attorney, contact us right away.  What Is Pregnancy Discrimination? According to the EEOC, pregnancy discrimination occurs when employers treat women unfavorably because of pregnancy or childbirth. Pregnancy discrimination may also happen because of a pregnancy-related physical or mental disability, such as postpartum depression. The prohibition against discrimination extends to every aspect of employment. So, it’s discrimination if an employee faces negative consequences like termination or demotion because she’s pregnant or given birth. It’s also illegal for an agency to alter a pregnant woman’s work schedule, transfer her, or exclude her from meetings.    What Laws Prohibit Pregnancy Discrimination? Several laws interface together to prohibit pregnancy-based discrimination and harassment. These include: Pregnancy rights recently took a great leap forward with the passage of the Federal Employee Paid Leave Act (FEPLA). FEPLA grants new mothers and fathers up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave. Collectively, these laws give substantial rights to employees. And employers must always respect those rights.   How to Respond to Pregnancy Discrimination  Facing pregnancy discrimination at work? It’s tough, but here’s a step-by-step on how to handle it: Finally, take care of yourself. Pregnancy discrimination takes a toll. It’s essential to seek support, whether through friends or family. Your well-being is crucial. Defend Your Rights by Contacting Us Today Nobody ever imagines themselves having to deal with pregnancy discrimination. Therefore, it can be confusing and difficult to respond to. However, you’re not alone. A qualified attorney can partner with you to defend your rights and hold bad actors accountable.  At the Federal Employment Law Firm of Aaron D. Wersing, PLLC, we specialize exclusively in federal employment law. That means we’ve seen all kinds of discrimination cases, including pregnancy discrimination. On top of that, we’re passionate about defending federal employees against illegal workplace discrimination. So, let’s work together to make federal workplaces free from pregnancy discrimination.  Call us today or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation and discuss how we can assist you.

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Mar 29, 2022 | By Aaron D. Wersing | Read Time: 2 minutes | Workplace Discrimination

What to Do If You Were Wrongfully Demoted

Getting demoted at work can be a crushing blow to your career. However, it’s especially devastating and unjust when you know you were wrongfully demoted. Maybe your boss decided to demote you because of your skin color or gender. Or perhaps your boss demoted you because you made a complaint about a legal or ethical violation in your workplace. Regardless of the reason, it’s essential that you preserve your rights immediately and defend yourself against your employer’s actions.  To get in touch with an experienced federal employment attorney, contact the team at the Federal Employment Law Office of Aaron D. Wersing, PLLC for immediate assistance. What Does Wrongfully Demoted Mean? When a person says they have been demoted, they mean that they’ve been reduced to a lower rank or less senior position. For example, a federal supervisor may demote their subordinate from a GS-13 job to a GS-12 position. Sometimes, demotions are implemented as a form of discipline, to hold an employee accountable for alleged misconduct or poor performance.  Other times, employees receive a demotion because of illegal, discriminatory reasons. It’s important to understand that federal discrimination laws prohibit any adverse actions, including demotions, for illegal and discriminatory reasons. More specifically, you cannot receive a demotion because of your: If you think you are being demoted at work because of one of these discriminatory reasons, you need to act quickly. You can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). You may also have the right to appeal your demotion with the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). These avenues are very different, and it is important to speak to an attorney familiar with the unique rights of employees of the federal government. Whatever appeal path you take, it’s essential that you act in a timely manner. Although the law grants you the right to hold your employer accountable for discrimination, you cannot wait very long. Otherwise, your complaint will be untimely, and a judge will likely toss it out.  Want to Learn More About Your Options After Being Wrongfully Demoted at Work? Now that you know what being wrongfully demoted means, you’re probably wondering what to do next. You also know why wrongful demotions can happen and what agencies you can file a complaint or appeal with, but you’re probably unsure of how to actually start the process. Knowing that you’ve been wrongfully demoted is just the beginning of your journey for justice.  At the Federal Employment Law Office of Aaron D. Wersing, PLLC, our attorneys will do everything possible to protect your rights. When you walk through our doors, we know you’re hurting and need some help. We want to sit down with you to hear your story. But then we will use our knowledge and experience to apply the law to your case. We’ll show you your options. Whatever you decide, we promise to aggressively pursue justice for you. On top of that, we will provide you with outstanding customer service. To us, you’re not a number. You’re a human being with a valuable story and inherent rights. Together, we can help you gain the compensation you deserve for your wrongful demotion.  You have nothing to lose by calling us today at (866) 891-0578 and sharing your story with us. You can also contact us online. Don’t wait another second. Let’s get underway today. 

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Mar 16, 2022 | By Aaron D. Wersing | Read Time: 3 minutes | Workplace Discrimination

Origin Discrimination in the Federal Workplace Overview

Most people understand what racial discrimination, sex discrimination, and disability discrimination all look like. Discrimination based on national origin is a little more difficult to define, and it often overlaps with racial discrimination. Yet even if it isn’t well known, many federal employees experience national origin discrimination every day they go into work. Just as with any other problem, the first step to solving an issue is recognizing and defining it. As such, it’s critical that federal employees understand what national origin discrimination looks like.  If you think that you or a loved one are experiencing this kind of discrimination, know that the law is on your side. Furthermore, you are entitled to compensation for any such discrimination you experience. To learn more, contact a knowledgeable employment attorney right away. What Is National Origin Discrimination? The Department of Labor’s (DOL) Civil Rights Center provides an excellent definition of discrimination based on country of origin. Specifically, national origin discrimination is any employment discrimination against an employee because of that person’s: Country of origin; Native language; Ancestry; Accent (although English fluency can be required); Ethnic dress or habits; or Actual (or perceived) place of birth. National origin discrimination can also occur if someone is targeted for “looking” or “sounding” like a certain group of foreigners, even if they do not actually belong to that group. Thanks to Title VII, employees cannot fire (or fail to hire) an employee because of their national origin. In fact, employers cannot let an employee’s country of origin affect any decisions related to any term or condition of employment. Terms and conditions of employment include things like an employee’s pay, job assignments, fringe benefits, training, and schedule. If you believe any of these terms and conditions have been impacted because of national origin discrimination, then you have protection under the law. National Origin Harassment  Harassment based on national origin is also illegal. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission defines “harassment” as unwelcome conduct that is related to a protected characteristic like national origin. Harassment based on national origin can include behaviors like: Demeaning comments about a person’s country of origin; Offensive jokes about a person’s native culture or language; Cultural, ethnic, or national slurs; and National or ethnic stereotypes. However, one offensive joke or comment generally isn’t enough to rise to the level of illegal harassment. Instead, the harassment has to either become a condition of the employee’s job or become severe enough to create an objectively intimidating, hostile, or abusive environment. What Should I Do If I Am Experiencing National Origin Discrimination? In almost all circumstances, you can help yourself by taking several key actions. First, document all incidents of national origin harassment or discrimination. Include details like the time, place, date, and the name of the offender. Second, try to resolve the issue with the offender unless you feel that it is dangerous to do so. In some cases, the offender simply doesn’t understand how they are coming off to others. Other times, they are simply acting ignorantly. Finally, report the behavior to a supervisor. If your supervisor is the cause of the offensive and discriminatory behavior, go to their supervisor.  Looking to Defend Your Rights? Let Us Help In a perfect world, national origin discrimination would be unheard of. Unfortunately, we live in a flawed world, which means that discrimination is an all-too-familiar occurrence for many federal employees. However, if you are experiencing discrimination based on your national origin, you don’t have to put up with it.  Our attorneys at the Federal Employment Law Office of Aaron D. Wersing, PLLC, are dedicated to holding federal employers accountable. If you’ve been the victim of discrimination, we want to help you seek justice and get your life back together. From the moment you step into our office, we’ll fight to earn you the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or give us a call at (866) 891-0578.

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Jan 26, 2022 | By Aaron D. Wersing | Read Time: 3 minutes | Federal Employment Law

What Federal Employees Should Know About Working While Pregnant

Federal employees who are pregnant or may become pregnant have special rights under the law. For one, they have protections against pregnancy-based discrimination and gender-based discrimination. In addition, they have the legal right to receive certain work adjustments while they are pregnant.  If you or a loved one are facing pregnancy-related discrimination or are not receiving accommodations from a federal employer, you should contact a qualified workplace discrimination attorney at the Law Office of Aaron D. Wersing, PLLC immediately.  Working While Pregnant: Relevant Federal Laws  In 1978, Congress passed the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA). This act expanded the prohibition against sex discrimination to include discrimination relating to pregnancy, childbirth, and all related conditions. In other words, your employer cannot discriminate against any employees in any way because they are pregnant or were pregnant. This prohibition applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, and job assignments. In addition, employers cannot discriminate against employees because they intend to become pregnant or have a medical condition related to pregnancy. The PDA also prevents employers from harassing those who are working while pregnant. Harassment includes a variety of behaviors, including: Finally, the PDA prohibits employers from excluding pregnant women from certain work conditions for their “protection.”  Due to these expansive protections against pregnancy-related discrimination, any employee who believes they are experiencing harassment because they are working while pregnant should contact an attorney.  Accommodations for Working While Pregnant Other laws provide additional protections for pregnant employees. For example, the Family and Medical Leave Act entitles employees to take up to 12 weeks of leave for the birth of a child. Furthermore, employees who are working full-time while pregnant—or even just part-time—may be able to get accommodations to help them perform their job. According to the EEOC, possible accommodations for employees who are working while pregnant can include things like: A pregnant employee can also receive accommodation for conditions that are caused or aggravated by their pregnancy. Potential conditions include: Ideally, the pregnant employee will be able to perform the regular duties of her job with accommodations. In some situations, however, the employee may not be able to perform certain functions of their job while pregnant. In these cases, the PDA allows employers to temporarily alter the pregnant employee’s job duties. Alternatively, the employer can transfer the pregnant employee to a different position until she delivers the child. Employers should engage in an interactive discussion with pregnant employees to determine possible accommodations. Do You Want to Learn More About How the Law Protects Those Who Are Working While Pregnant? Creating a family is a special and exciting time of life for most people. Although it also comes with many challenges and trials, discrimination and harassment should never enter the picture.  When discrimination and harassment occurs, it can have a devastatingly negative impact on the mother’s mental and physical health. That’s why it is so important for you to get legal help immediately if you think you or someone you love are suffering from workplace pregnancy discrimination. Contact a Federal Workplace Discrimination Lawyer Today Here at the Law Office of Aaron D. Wersing, PLLC., we are fully committed to protecting our clients from any form of workplace discrimination. We will fight to ensure that you have a safe place to work, free from discrimination. We’ll also fight to get you any compensation you deserve for any harm you have endured so far. Even if you aren’t sure whether you need an attorney or are facing discrimination, contact us today. Don’t wait. Give us a call today at (866) 612-5956.  Let us help you defend your rights!

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Jan 26, 2022 | By Aaron D. Wersing | Read Time: 3 minutes | Workplace Harassment

What Is Cyberbullying Under Federal Law?

Merriam-Webster defines cyberbullying as “the electronic posting of mean-spirited messages about a person” that is “ often done anonymously.”  Cyberbullying most commonly occurs on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. That said, it can also happen over text, by email, and in online forums and chat rooms. Furthermore, cyberbullying can happen at any time. In fact, it can even happen at work.  If you’ve been the target of cyberbullying at work, it is critical that you get legal help.  Examples of Common Workplace Cyberbullying Situations Cyberbullying can take many different forms. Here are a few: In each one of these instances, the victim can feel powerless. And it’s not surprising why. Cyberbullying in the workplace is both a serious and novel phenomenon. Unlike traditional bullying, which can take place only in limited situations and times, cyberbullying can occur 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This makes it impossible for the victim to escape the torment.  In addition, cyberbullying is generally more public, since threatening or targeting posts can be posted and shared across the internet instantaneously. Even one thoughtless tweet or message can lead to devastating personal and public consequences. Paradoxically, however, cyberbullying can be completely anonymous and hard to track down. Yet the effects of cyberbullying can last for years. Cyberbullying in the Workplace Statistics Because cyberbullying in the workplace can be so difficult to monitor, it’s distressingly common. A 2016 study by the University of Sheffield and Nottingham University revealed that approximately 80% of the participants involved had experienced cyberbullying in the workplace in the six months preceding the study.  The effects of cyberbullying in the workplace are serious. Cyberbullying can cause stress, anxiety, and depression. It reduces workplace productivity, and it can also negatively impact workplace culture and increase burnout and turnover.  Workplace Cyberbullying: Legality Although there is no federal law that prohibits cyberbullying specifically, cyberbullying often overlaps with illegal conduct. For example, cyberbullying can constitute illegal discrimination or harassment. Cyberbullying can also result in federal stalking charges or defamation charges. Approximately half of the 50 states have adopted some kind of anti-cyberbullying law. If you’re suffering from cyberbullying, it’s important for you to take the following steps: In addition, you should also consider contacting an attorney.  We Can Help You Defend Yourself from Workplace Cyberbullies Here at the Federal Employment Law Firm of Aaron D. Wersing, PLLC, we are passionate about protecting federal employees. Our practice focuses specifically on federal employment law; we’re familiar with all kinds of federal employment claims, including cyberbullying. If you’re experiencing cyberbullying in the workplace, we can help you understand your legal options and what you can do to protect yourself.  We know that hiring an attorney can be a significant financial burden. However, we don’t want money to keep you from contacting us. Don’t let the trauma of cyberbullying continue. Reach out to us today.

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